These are the days

These are the days when...

Phrases like social distance is commonly used from juniors to seniors.

Zoom is the choice of millions who are now thrust into a virtual world for church and meetings.

Coughing can get you killed as it did for a man in Jamaica.

Death tolls are in the millions and climbing.

Washing hands is now not just a suggestion but mandatory to save lives.

Cash is rejected and card is accepted.

Clubs and resorts are closed but the LCBO remains open.

Domestic abuse is on the rise but crime is down.

Schools have closed their doors but the cyber class rooms are now opened.

Working from home is not a perk but  mandated.

Everyone has a solution and propaganda is passed on from one person to the next.

Hospitals are out of beds, masks and ventilators.

Fear and anxiety stifles hope and peace.

These are the days.

Zephaniah wrote thousands of years ago these words from the Lord:

"I will bring distress on men, so that they will walk like blind men.  Because they have sinned against the Lord, their blood  will be poured out like dust and their flesh like dung.  Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the day of the Lord's wrath.  But the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy, for He will make a sudden end of all those who dwell on  the earth."  (Zep 1:17-19).

These words tell me that God is in charge of us.  He is a Holy God and in these days it is evident that we are not in control of anything.  Everything that we relied upon, that we expected to continue is laid to dust before us.  As bodies fill the graves, money means nothing.  Kings and princes  are equal to peasants and commoners.  No one can escape.  No one can save themselves.  These days are a foreshadow of what is to come - the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord that Zephaniah prophesied about - days that look so close to these days it shakes me.

These are the days to repent and know our God.  These are the days to return with wailing and in humility.  "Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who carry out His judgment.  Seek righteousness, seek humility.  Perhaps you will be hidden on the day of the Lord's anger." (Zep 2.3).

These are the days....